Boy Scouts marched in a flag-waving ceremony in Washington, D.C., last Sunday as part of their celebration of 100 years of the fine work of the Boy Scouts of America.
The Boy Scout program came to our country from its earlier origin in Britain. It has provided a century of inspirational and motivational character-building for many millions of boys.
The high standards of the Boy Scouts of America are reflected in the Scout Law: “A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.”
The Scout Oath says, “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law: To help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.”
The Boy Scout motto is “Be Prepared.”
Millions of boys have had the best qualities of good character instilled in them over the years as they have had fun, and studied and worked hard to achieve a wide variety of skills, working through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle Scout by passing challenging tests of skills and knowledge.
We commend all the Boy Scouts, past and present, and their adult leaders, who have done so much positive work in building good character among our youth.